Owners who allow their animals to wander onto airport runways could face prosecution, a fine of up to $1 million and six months in prison, as the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) raises concern over an increase in animals crossing aerodromes across the country.
The GCAA issued the warning on Friday, saying animals entering runway areas pose a direct safety risk to passengers, flight crews and aircraft.
According to the Authority, the deliberate or negligent release of animals onto aerodrome property can obstruct aviation operations and compromise the safety of flights.
The GCAA said it will not tolerate conduct that puts aviation operations at risk and warned that those found responsible could face legal action.
The Authority pointed specifically to Section 83(1) of the Civil Aviation Act 2018, which makes it an offence for a person to trespass on land forming part of an aerodrome or to cause an animal to trespass on such land.
The provision states that a person convicted summarily can be fined $1 million and imprisoned for six months.
The warning comes as the GCAA says it has observed an increasing frequency of animals crossing aerodrome runways across Guyana.
The Authority stressed that aerodromes are safety-critical areas and urged members of the public, particularly animal owners living near airports and airstrips, to ensure their animals do not enter restricted areas.
The GCAA said it is working with law enforcement to ensure that persons responsible for compromising aviation safety are dealt with under the law.
It is also asking the public to report suspicious activity or threats to aerodrome operations to the relevant authorities.
Reports can also be made anonymously through the GCAA hotline at 608-4222.
The A
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
